History Of The Bakersfield Rescue Mission
History Of The Bakersfield Rescue Mission
In 1951, Reverend Alonzo Heath and a small group of Bakersfield men felt the necessity to organize a Rescue Mission. Their goal was to provide food, clothing, shelter, and an opportunity for rehabilitation through Christian counseling, conversation, and influence for the men and women who were wandering the streets of Bakersfield in great numbers. The mission was incorporated as a non-denominational religious serviced institution in October 1952, qualifying as a non-profit organization.
From very small beginnings in a renovated storefront building on 20th Street in downtown Bakersfield, California, the ever growing demand for the Mission's services brought a move to larger facilities in East Bakersfield at 725 East 21st Street. In 1970, the Mission built its own headquarters building on Sumner Street at the Beale Avenue Overpass. To meet changing social conditions, a Women and Children's Emergency Shelter was constructed in the same year behind the Mission at 820 East 21st Street. The Lonnie Heath Building was purchased in June of 1995 and was used for the Thrift Store Ministries and Maintenance.
Two parks were also developed over 2001 and 2002 to provide a safe environment and an alternative to the downtown area for the Mission's guests. The Fellowship Park was created for the program men's use and also contains the Westbrook Pavilion where outdoor concerts and events are held. The second park was created for the homeless guests of the H.I.S. Center and is between H.I.S. and Lonnie Heath. In the Fall of 2004 the Mission purchased the Salvation Army building at the corner of E. 21st and King Streets which now houses our brand new Kitchen, our Chapel, and our new educational facility. The entrance to the men's program side and building also started undergoing a transformation in 2004.
In 2007 the Mission became aware that the property from 815 E 21st Street thru 821 E. 21st Street was going to become available and arrangements were made to acquire this property. The Mission Administrative Offices were moved into the former Journey Air Conditioning offices at 821 E. 21st Street in July of 2008 once the purchase was finalized. Other buildings that came with this property allowed us to set up a distribution center for clothing and other items as well as a campus canteen. Further plans for this property are in the works and will be revealed at a future date.
Now that the Rescue Mission owned the property on both sides of E 21st Street between King Street and Beale Ave an application was made to the City of Bakersfield to gate off both ends of the street for reasons of safety. The City quickly approved this application and the residents of the Mission now enjoy a gated campus which provides a much higher level of safety and security for everyone on the Mission grounds.
The Bakersfield Rescue Mission serves men and women of all ages. We start at the Homeless Intervention Services Center where we establish food, clothing, and housing needs. The H.I.S. Center turns no one away and references are given for medical assistance, housing, financial aid, veteran affairs, and referral assistance for children, families, and the mentally ill. Guests of our H.I.S. Center are provided with three meals per day along with 24 hour, 7 day per week shelter from all the elements. The individuals who choose to stay with us are provided with showers, clothing, laundry, beds, sheets, and pillows. We currently serve almost 200 people daily providing over 50,000 bed nights a year, over 120,000 meals a year, and over 60,000 articles of clothing a year.
Our Christian Life Training Program currently has 20-30 men and the same number of women receiving daily counseling, Bible studies, education, job therapy, and vocational training. No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco are permitted. These men and women receive all physical necessities and are held accountable to observe an ordered routine and contribute to housekeeping chores at the Mission. The Christian Life Training Program is designed to reconcile man with God and to provide the participants with the skills necessary, not to just survive, but to become competitors within our society.
Our on-site education center was expanded and moved to the Curt Kennedy Community Center where it now has 9 computer work stations, 2 audio/video learning stations, and a much larger library thanks to donations from the community. This building, named for a long time supporter of the Mission, also houses our kitchen and dining hall, as well as our Chapel. The learning center offers preparatory classes for those striving to obtain their GED as well as specialized reading classes, with trained volunteers, for those who struggle with the written word. The center also offers a variety of classes on computer literacy and computer skills for the workplace.
The Bakersfield Rescue Mission has been serving the homeless for almost 60 years and our hope is to continue to as long as there is a need. We realize we cannot serve these people with the quality they deserve without assistance. Partner with us in demonstrating "Love In Action" every day to the least fortunate of Kern County. We look forward to a good working relationship with you.
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